In this report, DANJUMA NAFUNJI highlights the deplorable condition of the Longwa Cele Road linking Kufang to the Solomon Lar Amusement Park, where residents, commuters, traders and motorists daily battle potholes, erosion and flooding while calling on authorities to urgently rehabilitate the economically important route
For residents, commuters, traders, commercial drivers and schoolchildren who use the Longwa Cele Road daily, every journey has become an exhausting struggle against potholes, erosion and neglect.
The once-busy road, which serves as the only direct link between Kufang and the Solomon Lar Amusement Park, has deteriorated into a nightmare, leaving many residents frustrated and deeply concerned about their safety, businesses and livelihoods.
A visit by THE NIGERIA STANDARD revealed a road riddled with deep potholes, uneven surfaces and muddy sections that become nearly impassable whenever it rains.
Motorists were seen manoeuvring dangerously to avoid damaged portions, while pedestrians struggled to navigate flooded and broken areas.
Residents say the condition of the road has worsened steadily over the years despite repeated complaints and appeals to the relevant authorities.
“This road is in a terrible state,” lamented a commercial tricycle operator who plies the route daily.
“Every week, I spend money repairing my vehicle because of the potholes. Sometimes, passengers even refuse to board because they fear the tricycle may overturn.”
Economic activities threatened
A local stakeholder, Mr Charles Ohoh, said the road is not only important to nearby communities but also plays a strategic economic role in the area.
“As the only connecting route from Kufang to the Amusement Park, it experiences heavy daily traffic from workers, traders, students and transport operators,” Ohoh said.
“Unfortunately, the poor condition of the road now slows down movement, increases transportation costs and discourages business activities. Sometimes, even Keke Napep operators refuse to bring people to our area.”
Business owners along the corridor also stated that customer traffic has reduced significantly because many people now avoid the route altogether.
“When it rains, the whole place becomes waterlogged,” said Mrs Bulus Jennifer, a trader in the area.
A hotelier, Mr Onuh Okoliko, described the situation as devastating for local businesses.
“Customers cannot even walk comfortably to the hotels and shops. Some vehicles get stuck for hours because the road becomes rocky and muddy during the rainy season. We are losing business because people now prefer alternative routes, even if they are longer,” he explained.
Residents also expressed fears over the increasing risk of accidents and delays during emergencies.
According to Mr Pam Abel, “Ambulances, security vehicles and other emergency responders often struggle to navigate the road during peak traffic periods or heavy rainfall.”
Residents fear for safety
Mrs Felicia Danladi, a parent, also expressed concern over the safety of schoolchildren who walk along the route daily.
“Some sections of the road become slippery and dangerous during the rainy season, exposing children and pedestrians to accidents,” she said.
Mr Patrick Danladi, a critical stakeholder in the community, noted that beyond the physical inconvenience, many residents believe the state of the road reflects a deeper issue of neglect and poor infrastructure maintenance.
“A road of such economic and social importance should not have been abandoned for so long,” he said.
Community leader, Nde Samuel, and other stakeholders have therefore called on the government and relevant agencies to intervene urgently before the situation gets completely out of hand, especially as the rainy season intensifies.
Infrastructure experts have repeatedly emphasised that roads are critical to economic development, trade, mobility and public safety.
According to Engr. Henry Solomon, a road network expert, functional infrastructure encourages investment, supports local businesses and improves the quality of life for residents.
“Conversely, neglected roads contribute to vehicle damage, increased transportation fares, traffic congestion and reduced economic productivity,” he said.
Calls for urgent govt intervention
For many users of Longwa Cele Road, the demand is simple: rehabilitation, proper drainage systems, long-term maintenance and improved water infrastructure.
“One of the key solutions is sustained maintenance and proper drainage construction to prevent further deterioration,” Engr. Solomon emphasised.
One of the community elites, Mr Ilya, insisted that residents are not asking for luxury, but for a safe and motorable road that reflects the importance of the area and the daily sacrifices of taxpayers who depend on it.
“As the rains intensify, fears continue to grow that the road may become completely impassable if urgent repairs are not carried out,” another resident, Mrs Blessing, stated.
The people of the area now hope that the relevant authorities will listen to their cries and act swiftly to provide these basic amenities.